Author Anirudh Kanisetti graces Hyderabad Public School’s History Literature Festival, spotlighting Deccan’s epic past alongside official Jayesh Ranjan.
At Hyderabad Public School, the air buzzed with Deccan fervor as historian Anirudh Kanisetti, author of Lords of the Deccan, took the stage. Picture this: a region bigger than Germany, bursting with diverse cultures, cuisines, and languages that quietly shape modern India, yet it’s been erased from our history books. Kanisetti’s talk flipped that script, urging us to rethink India’s narrative with the Deccan not as a footnote, but the pounding heart. “Nobody tells Europe’s story without Germany,” he quipped, igniting cheers from an enthralled crowd of history buffs, students, and locals hungry for their roots.
Deccan’s Hidden Power: Bigger Than You Think
Kanisetti unpacked why the Deccan – spanning vast plateaus from Maharashtra to Telangana gets sidelined. School curricula slice India into North vs. Deep South, ignoring this powerhouse’s role as a cultural crossroads. Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and beyond wove Persian influences with local flair, birthing shared words, biryanis, and festivals we cherish today. His book corrects this “gap,” showing how Deccan’s diversity mirrors India’s true mosaic. For enthusiasts, it’s a thrill: imagine forts like Golconda not as isolated gems, but threads in a grand, overlooked tapestry.
Beyond Kings: Lessons for Today’s Democracy
Kanisetti’s standout message? History isn’t just royal conquests, it’s the 99%‘s stories. Royal power mattered, but only amid society’s pulse: traders, farmers, artisans who drove creativity and freedom. In our authoritarian-leaning times, he argued, understanding medieval nuance arms us as better citizens. “Histories should be by the people, for the people,” he said, linking Deccan’s past to eternal fights against division. This angle resonates in Hyderabad, where Nizami grandeur meets everyday resilience.
Jayesh Ranjan: Bridging History to Heritage Action
Enter Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana’s culture and tourism czar, who moderated and shared big plans. As Hyderabad Literary Festival chairman, he’s eyeing collaborations, like interpretation centers at Alampur and Ramappa temples with Kanisetti’s expertise on Chalukya-Kakatiya eras. “An annual Deccan lecture, government-backed,” he announced, sparking applause. Ranjan praised HPS’s hosting and the festival’s “overwhelming” vibe, teasing a Hyderabad session tomorrow. His presence authenticated the event, turning talk into tangible revival for Telangana’s treasures.
Pop Culture’s Role: Web Series and Beyond
Excitement peaked with news of Lords of the Deccan becoming a web series, backed by Karnataka. Kanisetti, a video game history convert, beamed: “Pop culture hooks people into serious reading.”
This History Literature festival proves Deccan’s time has come, blending scholarship with action. As Kanisetti wrapped, his words lingered. History connects us, reveals power plays, and fuels freedom. For Hyderabadis, it’s personal. A call to own our Deccan’s legacy.
